Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002; 50(2): 108-109
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-26696
Case Report
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Pacemaker Dislocation -
Truly Ectopic Activation
Necessitating Surgical Treatment

T.  L.  de Kroon1 , M.  Witsenburg2 , A.  J. J.  C.  Bogerts2
  • 1Currently: Thorax Centre, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital Groningen, the Netherlands
  • 2Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Pediatric Cardiology University Hospital Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

October 1, 2001

Publication Date:
30 April 2002 (online)

Abstract

Intra-abdominal migration of a generator from an epicardial pacemaker system is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. We report on a case of a 2-year-old child in whom the generator silently migrated from the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle in the upper abdominal wall down into the peritoneal cavity. We advise that if there is any evidence of intra-abdominal migration, the generator should be properly repositioned without delay.

References

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  • 2 Crossley G H, Brinker J A, Reynolds D, Spencer W, Johnson W B, Kurd H, Tonder L, Smijewski M. Steroid elution improves the stimulation threshold in an active-fixation atrial permanent pacing lead. A randomized, controlled study. Model 4068 Investigators.  Circulation. 1995;  92 (10) 2935-2939
  • 3 Gomez C, MacDonald D II, Hernandez R, Coran A G, Crowley D, Serwer G A. Peritoneal migration of an abdominally implanted epicardial pacemaker: A cause of intestinal obstruction.  PACE. 1995;  18 2231-2232
  • 4 Salim M A, DiSessa T G, Watson D C. The wandering pacemaker: intraperitoneal migration of an epicardially placed pacemaker and femoral nerve stimulation.  Pediatric Cardiol. 1999;  20 (2) 164-166
  • 5 Siclari F, Uhlschmid G, Zwicky P, Turina M. Intracolonic migration of a pacemaker generator.  Thorac Cardiovasc Surgeon. 1986;  34 338-339
  • 6 Van Hare G F, Witherell C, Merrick S M. Migration of an epicardial pacemaker to the pericardial space in an infant.  PACE. 1994;  17 (11) 1808-1810

Correspondence

T. L. de KroonM.D. 

Thorax-Centre, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery University Hospital Groningen

P.O. Box 30001

9700 RB Groningen

The Netherlands

Phone: +31 (50) 3613238.

Fax: +31 (50) 3611347

Email: t.l.de.kroon@thorax.azg.nl